Now, all you MB fans, don't read this the wrong way.. I'm simply comparing the approaches of BMW/M and MB/AMG when it comes to gaining extra power for their M/AMG engines. A real example of the differing philosophies and values present in these two companies.
BMW/M:
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Overall, BMW reckons that the addition of DI increases an engine's output by roughly 10 percent. Do you smell a 550-hp DI-equipped V10 for the next version of the M5? BMW's lips are sealed. However, the company confirmed this new generation of DI will be proliferated into several engine platforms after the inline six. We're betting that it will pop up next on the upcoming M3, which is expected to have a high-revving normally aspirated V8 based on the current M5's V10.
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Mercedes Benz/AMG:
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In 2006 the 6.3 is impressive, if not incredible. The 7.0-liter LS7 Corvette V8 generates similar power (505 hp, 470 lb-ft, 7100-rpm redline), with one fixed-timing cam and pushrods. Zimmerman says there is probably 50 more horsepower in the AMG 6.3, if AMG can figure out how to eliminate intake or exhaust flow restrictions in the various vehicles. If the market demands substantially more, it’s back to a blower of some sort.
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http://www.germancarzone.com/showthread.php?t=4164
It's the innovation organisational culture and value that has been instilled in BMW which has seen the company invest time and money into R&D. All that investment has been fruitful, as can be seen with this example where BMW have figured out a way to increase power via an innovative intake method... and yet MB is still trying to develop it.
I ain't trying to flame MB/AMG for their approach, because i'm sure all of us here know that they have different approaches... just interesting to see how they go about incremental power increases for these 2 engines.
It's no secret BMW make some of the finest engines, but this article that Deutsch has posted gives an insight into how BMW approaches issues affect the whole motor industry, and how they believe in innovation.
At the same time, it's great seeing BMW and MB cooperating along with GM to develop a hybrid solution for the future. I wonder how much this is going to influence the rivalry of the two German marques....and more importantly, where does this leave Audi in terms of hybrid technology ?
